Life and Work with Ashley Evans-O’Boyle

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Evans-O’Boyle.

Ashley, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My career started when I was 19 years old. I was going to the Academy of Art University and attending classes at the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco. As a college student, life is tough and money is tight, I got a job in the only field I knew I could excel, MAKEUP. My first college job was at Origins in downtown. I think that is what introduced me to the world of beauty and the science behind it. Over time working at this skin care and makeup counter, I realized I had a true passion for makeup and the transformation that came with the application. I had a client that had eyelash extensions and it blew my mind! I knew that was something I could do and wanted to do. So, I sought out someone who could teach me. I learned, trained and have been in love with life and career since. I’ve worked in Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles and I have had opportunities working with The Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Glendale Adventist Medical Center- Cancer Center. Of course, there are bumps in the road and detours along the journey, but I am here and finally able to establish myself and brand in Orange County. Today, I am the owner of The Classy Dame Makeup and Lash Parlor, I am working on a non-profit passion project that is very near and dear to my heart, I own a Digital Franchise with an incredible brand, Arbonne International and have the honor of being a member of their task-force board for cosmetics and hair care at their home office in Irvine. There are a few other endeavors on the burners as we speak.

Has it been a smooth road?
There is never a road that is smooth. So, one must dig deep, find their grit and keep it moving. One struggle for me is being a mixed Afro-Latina woman. Double or triple whammy however you’d like to slice it, I learned early on that if I want something or anything, I MUST work 3 times harder. Through the years, there will be people or that one someone who holds you back from your journey, could be a friend, lover or spouse, even family. One must have a crystal clear vision of their goal and laser focus. The 3 most important pieces of advice I could give anyone, girl, woman, boy or man: 1. Be grateful. Always be grateful. It is always easy to be grateful when things are peachy. And, there will be times when things go south, but even in those moments, be grateful; because in those moments of turmoil is the lesson. You will learn something about yourself and learn how to keep going. 2. Never let anyone tell you how to do you. The only voice that matters at all is your own. When you align yourself with your path, passion and inner voice, you will never go wrong. 3. Learn to say “No” to people, things and be okay with letting go of what/who is negative and not serving/helping you in a healthy way on your journey. Lastly, and this is the special sauce, KNOW YOUR WORTH.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Classy Dame Makeup & Lash Parlor – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am a Licensed Esthetician, Master Makeup Artist and Eyelash Extension Specialist and Educator. My makeup artistry has given me the opportunity to work with brides on beautiful locations to red carpet events such as the Oscars, Golden Globes, etc. At The Classy Dame Parlor, our specialty is classic eyelash extension applications as well as classic beauty makeups. I am known for offering human hair eyelash extensions and as far as we could tell from our research, I am the only Eyelash tech in Southern California that specializes in human hair. Being able to say that is something to be proud. We are also working on our own brand of human hair lashes for the lash professionals of the world. I believe what sets us apart from others is that we don’t just do lashes, for us, for me, it is my craft, my art form, and my passion. For over 14 years, this has been my life, I have hundreds of thousands of hours of experience, and have solid relationships with members of the medical industry and we have geared our approach from that mindset and standard of quality. High standards, superior quality products, clinical approach and customized service; I believe this is what really sets us apart from many others; essentially making it a perfect match for those with a discerning taste.

Who have you been inspired by?
My grandmothers, both women inspired me in my life. Their strength and grace are what always stood out but it was their wisdom and honesty that helped to mold me into the woman I am today. They are to this day the women I can confidently say are the most inspirational characters of my life. The stories they’ve shared with me could make anyone cry, but it was their desire for more as women of color. One is Mexican and Native American and the other is Black and Sicilian. Raised in a time of segregation. Both married young, had children young, their marriages ended abruptly due to abuse or infidelity, but neither allowed those circumstances to dim their light or strip them of their dignity. Through it all with small children by their side, they chose to rise. Putting themselves through school, one became the Vice Chancellor of UCSF and the other a Medical Professional. I am incredibly blessed and humbled to be akin to such powerful, tenacious women. They, through their story and their actions, taught me how to dig deep, find my grit and all along remain gracious.

Pricing:

• Classic Mink Lashes- Luxury set: $175
• Volume Mink Lashes- Voluminous set- $250
• Human Hair Volume set- $350

Contact Info:

• Address: 1901 Newport Blvd. Suite 350
  Costa Mesa, CA 92627
• Website: www.ashleyoboyle.com
• Phone: 949-427-0355
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyoboyle/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClassyDameParlor/

Image Credit:
LaDonn Williams Photography, Alicia Danielle Photography, Monica Mancini, Quincy Jones and David Kos – The Wallis Annenberg Center, Roxy Rodriguez Photography, Ashley O’Boyle

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